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7 Nov WHITE HOUSE BIRD COUNT - A Holiday Affair [Dennis Brezina ] 6 Nov HSR: Raccoon Ridge (06 Nov 2009) 227 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 6 Nov Cacking Geese continue Warinanco Park, Union Co. [Thea Sinclair ] 6 Nov Snowy Egret correction [Michael Britt ] 6 Nov Re: Vultures [swaine ] 5 Nov some excellent pelagic birding off jersey today [Christopher Vogel ] 5 Nov Barn Owl + misc. sightings [Michael Britt ] 5 Nov RFI on a Group of Five Southbound Sandhill Cranes [Fred ] 5 Nov Overpeck Park [Chase Schiefer ] 5 Nov Bergen Co - Overpeck Park AM - Common Goldeneye Mehrhof Pond - Buffleheads - 10/5/09 [Edna & Ray Duffy ] 5 Nov Re: What day will be best to visit Racoon Ridge? [Lillian Shupe ] 5 Nov What day will be best to visit Racoon Ridge? [Lillian and Jim Shupe ] 4 Nov Re: Sandy Hook Addition... [Michael Britt ] 5 Nov Bergen Co - Overpeck Park PM - GWFG NO, Mehrhof - Ring-necked Duck - 11/04/09 [Edna & Ray Duffy ] 4 Nov HSR: Raccoon Ridge (04 Nov 2009) 9 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 4 Nov Re: Red-headed Woodpecker, Cackling Geese ["Cailin O'Connor Fitzpatrick" ] 4 Nov Red-headed Woodpecker, Cackling Geese [Hank Burk ] 4 Nov Sandy Hook 11/4 (Harlequin, Common Eiders, etc.) [Michael Britt ] 4 Nov Picture request - Thank you [Blake Mathys ] 4 Nov Bald Eagles over 1-E [Christopher Takacs ] 4 Nov Cackling Geese [Cliff Miles ] 4 Nov Picture request [Blake Mathys ] 4 Nov Peregrine Falcon - Hightstown Water Tower [Todd and Meg Frantz ] 4 Nov Re: Photographing-Disturbing-and Gyrfalcon photo [Jeffery Davis ] 4 Nov Tundra Swans with blue neck bands [James Tyler Bell ] 4 Nov Overpeck Park: Greater White-Fronted Goose continues [Jim Schlickenrieder ] 4 Nov DE Juncos [Elaine Long ] 3 Nov HSR: Raccoon Ridge (03 Nov 2009) 72 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 3 Nov Space Available on Sun, Nov. 8 Cape May Pelagic (8:00-4:00) ["Paul A. Guris" ] 4 Nov old pine farm [] 3 Nov Gloucester County - local notes and lingering birds [Sandra Keller ] 3 Nov Cooper's hawk hunting in Camden County. [Yong Kong ] 3 Nov Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Upcoming Meeting (11/5/09) [Bert Filemyr ] 3 Nov Parasitic Jaegar on Newark Bay today... [Michael Britt ] 3 Nov Cape May, 3 Nov [Tony Leukering ] 2 Nov Sandy Hook 2 Nov--Clay-colored Sparrow [Scott Barnes ] 2 Nov Fw: sandy hook yesterday [Scott Barnes ] 2 Nov HSR: Raccoon Ridge (02 Nov 2009) 49 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 2 Nov Waterfowl in Cumberland County [Sandra Keller ] 2 Nov Gyr and LeConte's photos [Christopher Takacs ] 2 Nov Spruce Run Ducks [Mike Hiotis ] 2 Nov Overpeck Greater White-fronted Goose still present [Larry Scacchetti ] 2 Nov Winslow Twp Birding-Scoter, Scaup, Savannah Sparrows [Matt Webster ] 2 Nov Meadowlands [Michael Britt ] 2 Nov Cackling and White-fronted Geese [Thomas Halliwell ] 2 Nov Cave Swallow at CM Hawkwatch; Red-necked Grebe, Bufflehead at Seawatch [Tony Leukering ] 2 Nov Sandy Hook Sunday: Lark Sparrow, Am.Golden Plover [Claus Holzapfel ] 2 Nov Photographing-Disturbing-and Gyrfalcon photo [Michael Gochfeld ] 2 Nov Overpeck Greater White-fronted -- YES [Jim Schlickenrieder ] 1 Nov Mountain Lakes (Princeton) [Chris Wyluda ] 1 Nov HSR: Raccoon Ridge (01 Nov 2009) 145 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov lots of birds overhead [David La Puma ] 1 Nov lots of birds overhead [David La Puma ] 1 Nov Princeton CBC, etc. [Laurie Larson ] 1 Nov Another mis-shot [Harvey Tomlinson ] 1 Nov Brigantine today: Meadowlark, Hooded Merganser and more [Christine Pazzani ] 1 Nov Apology [tony croasdale ] 1 Nov pissing contests and moon watching [David La Puma ] 1 Nov Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit [Jeffery Davis ] 1 Nov Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit [tony croasdale ] 1 Nov Overpeck County Park , Greater White-fronted Goose ["Zupfer, Evan" ] 1 Nov Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit [Henry Kielblock ] 1 Nov Cape May Day [Harvey Tomlinson ] 1 Nov Overpeck Greater White-fronted -- YES [Dan Poalillo ] 1 Nov Re: Greater White Fronted Goose at Overpeck [Stephanie Seymour ] 1 Nov "Bird/Birding Cape May" by Pat/Clay Sutton at Wyncote Audubon Dinner 12/6 [Clifford Hence ] 1 Nov Eurowiggle update [Tony Leukering ] 1 Nov Purple Finches ["susie r." ] 1 Nov Longport, Malibu Beach [Mary Harper ] 1 Nov Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit [Jeffery Davis ] 1 Nov Greater White Fronted Goose at Overpeck [Jim Schlickenrieder ] 1 Nov Eurasian Wigeon @ LSP [Michael Britt ] 1 Nov Meadowlands saturday [Neil Maruca ] 1 Nov The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit [Michael Gochfeld ] 1 Nov Eurasian Wigeon, etc. at Cape May on Halloween [Tony Leukering ] 31 Oct Sandy Hook Saturday [Scott Barnes ] Subject: WHITE HOUSE BIRD COUNT - A Holiday Affair From: Dennis Brezina <dbrezina AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 10:17:38 -0500 New Jersey Birders, As the holiday season nears, I wanted to share this bird watching story... Here's an historic, hopefully interesting, bird watching anecdote with a HOLIDAY THEME, spanning the past forty years, and with roots tapping into the origins of America's environmental movement... Featured are TEDDY ROOSEVELT's bird list, the good timing of a dear friend of RACHEL CARSON, a U. S. Senator inspired by his family's history, this former Senate staffer (and life time birder) soon to have his "fifteen minutes" crafting the first EARTH DAY, and the allure of the WHITE HOUSE grounds for recording and reporting bird sightings... Two related initiatives are underway: -- "All the Birds At Sea" -- expanding and coordinating sea bird sightings (pelagics) from (all) the ships at sea, including NOAA, Navy, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine ships... -- In the spirit of "Greening the U. S. Capitol," conducting regular bird surveys on the Capitol grounds similar to those at the White House... FYI: My Senate Oral History interviews, from which this anecdote was taken, are permanently on the U. S. Senate website -- first Earth Day and first Senate Science Subcommittee... All of my efforts on Capitol Hill and with state legislatures over the past fourteen years on a variety of issues -- health care, foreign policy, environment -- have been pro bono for the purpose of "issue advancing." Keep up your fine work, extending its outreach as you can... Best wishes for the Holidays and the Annual Christmas Bird Count... Dennis W. Brezina Chesapeake City, Maryland ................................................................................ WHITE HOUSE BIRD COUNT A Holiday Affair In the fall of 1969 during the intermission of a preview of "Ring of Bright Water," a nature film about frolicking otters that was a sequel to "Born Free," the poignant tale of Elsa, the lioness, I was in polite conversation with U.S. Senator Charles "Mac" Mathias of Maryland. The Senator commented on how unfortunate that Washington, D.C. had, except for perhaps Rock Creek Park, very little green left due to development and growth. In one of those fortuitous moments when a lot can happen quickly, I responded, "You're right, Senator! Except for the White House and its 18 acres of green." Then I mentioned a May 3, 1919 article from the "Washington Star" (offered to me one day by Shirley Briggs, good friend of Rachel Carson and the first Secretary of the Rachel Carson Trust) that gave historic context to and printed President Teddy Roosevelt's early 20th Century list of 94 species of birds sighted in and around the White House grounds when he wasn't either running the nation or keeping an eye on his highly-spirited daughter, Alice. (He admitted that he couldn't both govern and parent Alice [later Alice Roosevelt Longworth] at the same time.) The President's sightings on the White House grounds included many birds no longer likely to be seen in downtown Washington - saw whet owl, screech owl (nesting), sparrow hawk (wintering pair), bluebird ("Bring the Bluebird Back to the South Lawn?"), red-headed woodpecker (nesting), yellow-billed cuckoo, orchard oriole (nesting), tree sparrow, blue-winged warbler, black and white warbler (nesting), and warbling vireo (nesting). My impromptu pitch ended by saying how great if bird watching returned to the White House. The Senator seemed intrigued, knew I was a legislative assistant to Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin (for whom I was helping to craft the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970), and asked me to meet him in his office next week. Later, when escorted into Senator Mathias' private office, I was motioned behind his desk where he pointed out a photograph of several dignified gentlemen in top hats and long coats riding in an open limosine. The Senator's grandfather sat right next to Teddy Roosevelt when the former President, nominee of the Bull Moose Party, was challenging Woodrow Wilson and President William H. Taft in the 1912 election. "My grandfather was one of the original members of the Bull Moose Party," Senator Mathias beamed proudly. Moreover, he liked the birdwatching idea, asking for a memo before contacting the White House. That memo played up the Teddy Roosevelt precedent, the importance of recording and reporting bird sightings, and included recent wild animal stories from the White House. Rex Scouten, the long time head usher at the White House, reminisced about Ike's battle over squirrels planting nuts on his putting green, Jackie's yearning for deer on the South Lawn that was vetoed by JFK after the National Park Service insisted on an eleven foot fence, and LBJ's ordering of a screeching red-shouldered hawk recording to be played at sunset to keep starlings from roosting under the eaves. Senator Mathias contacted the Nixon White House, a staffer was quickly assigned who brought the Department of Interior into the loop, and decision was made to open the grounds to a single birdwatcher as part of the (National Audubon Society's) Annual Christmas Bird Count. Requests to make migratory and nesting surveys were eventually approved. On December 27, 1969, more than sixty years after Teddy Roosevelt's sightings, Dr. Fred Evenden, Executive Director of the Wildlife Society, traipsed around the White House grounds. On that bitterly cold morning, more reporters than birds showed up, generating stories like "Fewer Birds Visiting White House," on the front page of the Sunday New York Times. Starlings and house sparrows topped the list with a crow, white-throated sparrow and a few other species completing the tally. Sadly, the White House staffer did not dress warmly, almost catching pneumonia, a fact that he later informed me of only half in jest. ..................... POST SCRIPT: The White House Christmas Bird Count and, eventually, annual migratory and nesting surveys on the grounds have provided valuable trend data over the past forty years, interrupted only by security flaps from time to time. Subsequent winter counts included Sparrow Hawk, Hermit Thrush and Purple Finch. Springtime sightings featured Bewick's Wren, White-eyed Vireo, Louisiana Water Thrush, Canada Warbler, Evening Grosbeak and White-crowned Sparrow. A CALL TO GREATER SERVICE: In this time of extraordinary challenge in American history, the millions of bird watchers and other environmentalists are encouraged to extend their outreach into crucial environmental and public health issues, with a generosity of spirit and creativity to make the 21st Century proud -- even "'TWEETING' and Texting (while not driving) Into the Wee Hours." ####################### Dennis W. Brezina U.S. Senate Oral History Project, August, 2005 (adapted from) www.senate.gov/ Chesapeake City, MD 21915 November 7, 2009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: HSR: Raccoon Ridge (06 Nov 2009) 227 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:11:26 -0400 Raccoon Ridge Blairstown, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 06, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 217 Bald Eagle 2 9 162 Northern Harrier 7 17 74 Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 31 1587 Cooper's Hawk 4 17 175 Northern Goshawk 4 6 9 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 24 40 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 5253 Red-tailed Hawk 188 374 582 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 5 9 14 American Kestrel 0 0 328 Merlin 0 1 120 Peregrine Falcon 0 3 33 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 5 11 44 Total: 227 502 8638 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours Official Counter: Brian Hardiman Observers: Carl Krag, Frank Guida, Mike Reese, Tom Campbell Visitors: Additional observers: Roger Johnson, Norbert & Joyce Grohoski, Matt Jardel, Brian Butler, Gary Himber, Michele and Luca Cacciottolo, Lillian Shupe, Jeff Climpson, Blais Brancheau. Lots of good eyes on ridge today, thanks to all. Hey Aidan, VC was looking for you today. Hikers - 2. Weather: mostly overcast skies w/ some patches of sun, wind NW 10-20+ early then dropping off in afternoon, temp 33-40 deg F. Raptor Observations: BE - 10:10A, 1:16I. GE - 9:20(2I), 9:45A, 10:15A, 2:07A. NG - 3I, 1A. NH - 5 of 7 birds were adult males. First bird of day - 7:09 RT. Last bird of day - 4:00 SS. Bird of the Day - imm. goshawk straight down the ridge and past the lookout, close overhead. Non-raptor Observations: Loons - 26. Raven - 3. TVs & BVs. Large flocks of Amer. Robins moving early. BEAR - feeding high in same tree as last Monday 11/2. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Hardiman (hardiman AT nac.net) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cacking Geese continue Warinanco Park, Union Co. From: Thea Sinclair <2sinclairs AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 16:27:03 -0500 At noon today, the six cackling geese were spotted at Warinanco Park, feeding on the grass next to the boathouse and in the pond. Mark Sinclair Philadelphia PA 2sinclairs AT gmail.com 828-228-2020 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Snowy Egret correction From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:36:16 -0500 I only send this note in case this bird lingers until a CBC...the Snowy Egret was in Keyport (not Hazlet) in an area of marsh, public dock, and marina. Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Vultures From: swaine <swaine AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:37:22 -0500 This morning, 7:05 am, had at least 3 dozen vultures, probably more -- practically all Turkeys but at least one Black that I saw as I was driving. We thought at first that they were headed for a dead animal (deer?) on the RR tracks (trains had been tooting their horns all night long!) but as we drove into New Brunsick, more vultures continued to appear, flying low, moving from NW to SE. Very impressive... right now winds are from NE to SW, so I bet this will be a good hawk migration day... am I correct? k. swaine, highland park How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: some excellent pelagic birding off jersey today From: Christopher Vogel <glaucidium AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:25:10 -0800 Between (roughly, very roughly) 60 and 25 miles offshore, and between (slightly more precisely)25 miles south of Hudson Canyon, and 25 just SE of Atlantic City provided some great birding today, in no small part because the sea was about as rough as farm pond in june-allowing for exceptional visibility & detectablity of birds sitting on the water. Some notables were: 65(or thereabouts) Greater Shearwaters- 34 were roosting together at one point behind the boat. 4 Cory's Shearwaters 11-13 Manx Shearwaters-a good count. 4 were in one raft sitting on the water 1 Audubon's Shearwater-nice bird in Nov off NJ. 1 N. Fulmar 6 Razorbills-3 hanging together, and three singletons 3 Pomarine Jaegers 1 Parasitic Jaeger but perhaps best of all, and owing to the calm, flat water, were two immense Leatherback Seaturtles, and one less immense but still quite large Loggerhead. Cheers CJV Cape May, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Barn Owl + misc. sightings From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:52:20 -0500 At 3:23AM this morning (11/5) I spotted a Barn Owl flying high over the walkway of the Bayonne Golf Club...entering the airspace above the golf course...it most likely (definitely) crossed the cove from the Ocean Terminal side...anyway...I made some squeaks by kissing the base of my thumb and the owl paused to come check me out...when first observed the Barn was crossing in front of me...then headed away...after the squeaks, it turned towards me and hung in the wind gliding in a semi-circle from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock, before it realizing I was too big to swallow and it continued on its way...this is the first Barn I've seen here since they turned the old landfill and surrounding marshes into a dredge-spoils dump...luckily...they then built a Scottish-links golf course on top of it that is loaded with "rough" and plenty of Meadow Voles, Norway Rats, Muskrats, and Cottontails. Today 11/5, there was an Osprey over Linden Marsh. Yesterday 11/4, there was a Snowy Egret in Hazlet. Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: RFI on a Group of Five Southbound Sandhill Cranes From: Fred <fred AT cetussoft.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 17:18:23 -0500 Hello. This may be an unusual request (a "long shot"), but here goes... I am hoping that someone (else) might have recently seen (and maybe even also photographed) a particular group of five sandhill cranes (one having an obvious notch in the left wing - please see photo info below) that was heading southbound from Wareham Massachusetts to Florida (or thereabouts). Here's the story: There is a group of five sandhill cranes that recently left Wareham Massachusetts (just across Buzzards Bay from Cape Cod) on their way to Florida (I would assume). These birds have spent part of each year for the last several years on the cranberry bogs and ponds of Wareham MA, and they have been actively watched by MA birders (especially since sandhill cranes are pretty rare birds "up here" in Massachusetts). On October 29th, the last day the cranes were seen in Wareham, a group of five cranes were spotted flying from MA into RI, and later that day there was a report from a hawk watch in Greenwich CT recording a tight formation of five cranes heading toward the NYC area. Then, on October 30th, there were two northwestern NJ reports, of a group of five cranes seen both lifting off the ground at Merrill Creek NJ (Tom Vouglas) and of a group of five in the air shortly afterward at the hawk watch at Scott's Mountain NJ. And, on November 3rd, a group of five cranes were heard and then seen overhead at Woodstock GA heading southward (and a bit unusual because that was somewhat earlier than the usual migration of sandhill cranes coming from Hiwassee TN through that area). Of course, the big question is, ARE THEY THE SAME FIVE CRANES? While certainly not completely definitive, a comparison of a photo taken of the birds in flight at the Scott's Mountain NJ hawk watch on 10/30 ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrd_photos/4063137832/sizes/l/ ) and my photos from Wareham MA of "our" cranes flying at sunset on 10/26 ( http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/WarehamCraneberryCranes-102609/10104828_2y3Tr/1/693923477_HJvqD/Large http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/WarehamCraneberryCranes-102609/10104828_2y3Tr/1/693925004_AH4v3/Large ), shows one of the five cranes in each case having what might seem to be the same notch in its left wing. (The notch is quite obvious in a photo, but may not be so obvious to an observer's eyes.) What is most intriguing, I think, is that the cranes may be taking a somewhat inland route, along the Appalachians, rather than a more coastal route from New England to FL. (But, of course, who knows what is a "normal" path for uncommon northeastern sandhill cranes migrating to and from Florida or thereabouts?) So, I have been trying to ask those on the flyways to Florida, where the cranes might be heading for the winter season, if anyone happened to see (and maybe even photographed) a distinctive group of five sandhill cranes going over. And, the group may possibly have been seen by someone else in NJ on October 30th. So, any other reports? Yes, I know that this sounds like a "wild crane chase", but who knows... Thanks for listening. Fred (Frederick Wasti) (born in Clifton NJ) Marshfield Massachusetts ("craneberry country") How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Overpeck Park From: Chase Schiefer <bachmans.ivory AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:57:56 -0500 My Father stopped at Overpeck on the way to work this morning. He struck out on the Greater White Fronted, but managed to pull out a Cackling. Keep your eyes peeled. "Has joy any survival value in the operations of evolution? I suspect that it does; I suspect that the morose and fearful are doomed to quick extinction. Where there is no joy there can be no courage; and without courage all other virtues are useless. " - Edward Abbey "I'd sooner exchange ideas with the birds on earth than learn to carry on intergalactic communications with some obscure race of humanoids on a satellite planet from the world of Betelgeuse. " Edward Abbey Chase Schiefer Bachmans' Ivory Hazlet, New Jersey http://www.flickr.com/photos/bachmansivory/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Bergen Co - Overpeck Park AM - Common Goldeneye Mehrhof Pond - Buffleheads - 10/5/09 From: Edna & Ray Duffy <marshwren AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:28:49 +0000 I tried to locate the Greater White Fronted Goose again this morning.  I didn't have any luck around the stables and corrals.  I did find two common goldeneyes on the river swimming south.  I located them early but couldn't locate them again as they started moving south down the river. I also visited Mehrhof Pond.  I didn't see the drake Ring-necked duck, but I did find 2 female buffleheads on the pond.  I also found a winter wren. Overpeck Park 7:45-9:15  24 species 2 Wood Ducks (M/F) 2 Female Common Goldeneye 2 Ruddy Ducks (M/F) ~60 Double-crested Cormorants on the river 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Red-tailed Hawk 5 Monk Parakeets 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 4 Downy Woodpeckers ~30 Cedar Waxwings Mehrhof Pond 9:30am-10am  17 Species Gadwall Northern Shovelers Green-winged Teal 8 Lesser Scaup 2 female Buffleheads 5 Hooded Mergansers (2 F/3 M) Ruddy Ducks 1 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Winter Wren Ray Duffy Secaucus, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: What day will be best to visit Racoon Ridge? From: Lillian Shupe <lrshupe AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:24:00 +0000 Great, I had originally planned to go Friday anyway but since I get up there or Hawk Mountain once a year if I'm lucky I want to make the most of it. Meanwhile, I saw a young Bald Eagle flying northward from the Belvidere Bridge. I saw a mature one in September. More and more seem to be wintering in the area. Lillian Shupe, LMBT, Pa. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Patrick Belardo" To: "Lillian and Jim Shupe" Sent: Thursday, November 5, 2009 9:35:09 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] What day will be best to visit Racoon Ridge? Based on the weather forecast as of right now, it looks like NW winds tomorrow. Those are ideal for a hawk flight. It shows SW winds for Sat. which are not ideal. I would go tomorrow.  Patrick Belardo pbelardo-at-yahoo Piscataway, NJ http://www.hawkowlsnest.com ----- Original Message ---- From: Lillian and Jim Shupe To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Sent: Thu, November 5, 2009 9:08:18 AM Subject: [JerseyBirds] What day will be best to visit Racoon Ridge? The weather forecast for Friday is cool and windy. Saturday is sunny and a little warmer. Which day is likely to produce the best flights? Lillian Shupe Lower Mt Bethel, Pa. How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: What day will be best to visit Racoon Ridge? From: Lillian and Jim Shupe <lrshupe AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:08:18 -0500 The weather forecast for Friday is cool and windy. Saturday is sunny and a little warmer. Which day is likely to produce the best flights? Lillian Shupe Lower Mt Bethel, Pa. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Sandy Hook Addition... From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 23:11:47 -0500 forgot to mention a single Ipswich Sparrow on the way out to the "False Hook" MB Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Bergen Co - Overpeck Park PM - GWFG NO, Mehrhof - Ring-necked Duck - 11/04/09 From: Edna & Ray Duffy <marshwren AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 02:46:13 +0000 I went to Overpeck Park around 3:30 to about 4:45.  There was no goose flock by playground by the stables.  There was a group of Canada Geese in the corral with the hill jump in it, but no greater white fronted goose.  I saw a big flock land on the west side of the river but I don't know if there is a way to get into that new side of the park. I stopped at Mehrhof Pond at sunset.  There was a drake ring-necked duck on the pond.  The ruddy duck flock was still pretty big, but I didn't count as I was sorting for anything unusal when I ran out of sunlight. Ray Duffy Secaucus, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: HSR: Raccoon Ridge (04 Nov 2009) 9 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:11:03 -0400 Raccoon Ridge Blairstown, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 04, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 217 Bald Eagle 0 7 160 Northern Harrier 0 10 67 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 24 1580 Cooper's Hawk 0 13 171 Northern Goshawk 0 2 5 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 19 35 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 5253 Red-tailed Hawk 7 186 394 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 4 9 American Kestrel 0 0 328 Merlin 0 1 120 Peregrine Falcon 0 3 33 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 6 39 Total: 9 275 8411 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours Official Counter: Brian Hardiman Observers: Visitors: A.T. SOBO "MacGyver"...Good luck & stay warm. Other hikers - 1. Weather: mostly clear early w/ increasing clouds, wind NW 3-9 early to little to no wind later, temp 37-44 deg F. Raptor Observations: Bird of the Day - imm. RS provided a close study on an otherwise slow day. Non-raptor Observations: Snow Geese - 60. TVs & BVs. E. Bluebirds - very active at lookout. Raven - 1. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Hardiman (hardiman AT nac.net) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Red-headed Woodpecker, Cackling Geese From: "Cailin O'Connor Fitzpatrick" <CelticCail AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:15:18 EST There were at least two (up to four) Red-headed Woodpeckers at Colonial Park in Franklin Township yesterday, according to a friend (and excellent birder) as well. Nice to see them around. Cailin O'Connor Fitzpatrick In a message dated 11/4/2009 3:52:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, hjburk AT COMCAST.NET writes: There was one, possibly two, Red-headed Woodpeckers in Lenape Park in Cranford this morning at 9:00. These birds were seen by others during the past two days in the same location. Park in the lot off of Kenilworth Boulevard. Walk on the dyke towards Westfield (going away from Kenilworth Boulevard). Stop about ten feet past the first sign on the dyke and look to the right. The adult bird was very active and vocal. This is the same location where this species showed up a few years ago and was present for the winter. There were six Cackling Geese present in Warinanco Park in Roselle at 2:45. The birds were feeding on the grass with Canadas across the street from the main pond. They were visible from the car as I pulled into one of the parking places. This is the same location where the Barnacle Goose and a small group of Cackling Geese appeared last winter. Hank Burk Cranford How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Red-headed Woodpecker, Cackling Geese From: Hank Burk <hjburk AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:52:01 +0000 There was one, possibly two, Red-headed Woodpeckers in Lenape Park in Cranford this morning at 9:00.  These birds were seen by others during the past two days in the same location.  Park in the lot off of Kenilworth Boulevard.  Walk on the dyke towards Westfield (going away from Kenilworth Boulevard).  Stop about ten feet past the first sign on the dyke and look to the right.  The adult bird was very active and vocal.  This is the same location where this species showed up a few years ago and was present for the winter. There were six Cackling Geese present in Warinanco Park in Roselle at 2:45.  The birds were feeding on the grass with Canadas across the street from the main pond.  They were visible from the car as I pulled into one of the parking places.  This is the same location where the Barnacle Goose and a small group of Cackling Geese appeared last winter. Hank Burk Cranford   How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook 11/4 (Harlequin, Common Eiders, etc.) From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 15:23:19 -0500 The morning flight was very very slow and landbirds were generally absent on the Hook today. Highlights were: 5 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS during the morning flight at daybreak...they flew over the hawk platform calling their heads off...WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (drake) and female HARLEQUIN were off C-lot...8 COMMON EIDERS...six at the end of the Fishermen's Trail and two off C-lot...5 ROYAL TERNS patrolling the shoreline...NORTHERN GANNETS could be seen on the horizon...although one did pass close to shore early...2 RED-THROATED and several COMMON LOONS...a handful of SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, several COOPER'S HAWKS, and two HARRIERS were patrolling the dunes and that is really it... Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Picture request - Thank you From: Blake Mathys <blakemathys AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 15:20:20 -0500 I want to thank everyone for generously offering their pictures, the JerseyBirds email list is very helpful and quick to offer up very nice images. I think that I have what I need. Best regards, Blake Mathys Williamstown, NJ _________________________________________________________________ Find the right PC with Windows 7 and Windows Live. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/pc-scout/laptop-set-criteria.aspx?cbid=wl&filt=200,2400,10,19,1,3,1,7,50,650,2,12,0,1000&cat=1,2,3,4,5,6&brands=5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16&addf=4,5,9&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen2:112009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Bald Eagles over 1-E From: Christopher Takacs <Uschris AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:55:35 EST Today I had to pull off Belleville Turnpike in Kearny around 10:45 for a 10 minute display by 2 adult Bald Eagles. They flew together along the NJ Turnpike, then right over my head. Then a "chase" began as one Eagle flew after the other in the bright blue sky we had today. They flew for about 10 minutes over the 1-E landfill, flapping and climbing, then diving and climbing up again. After a climb together they hooked talons and tumbled together in the sky for 2-3 seconds. They separated, regained some altitude and flew about separately for a few minutes before I returned to the car and continued my drive to Jersey City. It amazed me that 100+ cars drove by on the NJ Tpk. and the Belleville Tpk., nobody saw this magnificent display. I'm sure glad I did. Right place, right time! Chris Takacs Lyndhurst How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cackling Geese From: Cliff Miles <Clifford.A.Miles AT APHIS.USDA.GOV> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:03:14 -0500 6 Cackling Geese were present today (11/04/09) at noon, in Waranenco Park in Union County, NJ. Clifford Miles Mountain Lakes, NJ clifford.a.miles AT usda.gov How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Picture request From: Blake Mathys <blakemathys AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:36:24 -0500 I'm giving a presentation tomorrow and need a couple of bird pictures to illustrate a point. Amazingly, I somehow don't have pictures of Mourning Dove or American Robin. If someone has a picture that they would allow me to use for my presentation, I would really appreciate it. It doesn't have to be the greatest picture ever taken, just representative pictures of the two species. I'll of course credit you on the slide. Thank you, Blake Mathys Williamstown, NJ _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: Unclutter your desktop. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9690331&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen:112009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Peregrine Falcon - Hightstown Water Tower From: Todd and Meg Frantz <2njbirders AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:23:57 +0000 This morning at about 7:00 AM there was a juvenile Peregrine Falcon enjoying breakfast while perched on the railing around the top of the water tower in Hightstown.  On Sunday there was also a falcon on the water tower which I originally thought was a Merlin but I didn't et a good look at it as it flew off to harass a resident red-tail.  We have seen Merlins on the water tower in previous years.  The Sunday bird may also have been the Peregrine so it may be spending a few days.  Todd Frantz Hightstown, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Photographing-Disturbing-and Gyrfalcon photo From: Jeffery Davis <jwdjwd67 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 10:00:32 -0500 This just in from the second-hand birding report desk here a scuttlebutt central. Boy, I hate this job. Anyway, I feel I owe it to Luke Ormand to report his side of the recent Gyr "incident." Luke contacted me yesterday to give his account of the events at Jones Beach and to say that the anonymous observers I cited previously were mistaken in believing he was the photographer who flushed the Gyr. Not being a local birder and making only his second visit to Jones Beach he believes that it must be a case of missed ID. How did he get such wonderful close-ups with a somewhat limited kit? He says that the answer is that the bird was flushed by other photographers right at him and he happened to be in the right place at the right time. Further, he says he has time-marked photos that could corroborate this claim. Sadly, not being present, I can corroborate only my own claim to be very sorry that I began this without first-hand knowledge of the events (or even better a photo!). Live and learn. regards Jeff How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Tundra Swans with blue neck bands From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:24:20 -0800 Below is some information about neck banded Tundra Swans that observers should be on the lookout for. Please report sightings to: Craig Ely����������������������������������������� Phone: (907) 786-7182�������������������������������� cely AT usgs.gov Thanks! Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com California, Maryland TUNDRA SWANS WITH BLUE NECK BANDS FROM ALASKA ����������������������� TUNDRA SWANS WERE MARKED IN WESTERN AND NORTHERN ALASKA IN THE SUMMERS OF 2006-2009 WITH CODED NECK BANDS AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TIMING OF MIGRATION AND MOVEMENTS OF SWANS RELATIVE TO BREEDING AREA. NECK BANDS HAVE A FOUR-DIGIT CODE THAT BEGINS WITH A LETTER.� CODES �ARE READ FROM BOTTOM TO TOP.� BANDS ARE BLUE WITH WHITE DIGITS, EXCEPT CODES T3##, WHICH ARE WHITE WITH BLACK DIGITS.� ______________________________________________________ ������������������������������������������������������� ��������������� � �������� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� No. Collared Marking Location��������� Codes������������������2006 - 2008�� 2009�� Total YukonDelta��������������� K###�����������������������227������� 100��� 327 Alaska Peninsula(North)���P###�����������������������148������� 105��� 253 Alaska Peninsula(South)�� T4##�����������������������155��������---��� 155 Koyukuk Drainage��T213-228, U075-U120, U390-U399������66��������---�����66 North Slope���������������T201-212,T3##���������������58��������---�����58 Kotzebue Sound������������U###�����������������������390��������197��� 587 Totals����������������������������������������������1045��������402���1446 ______________________________________________________������� ������ In 2008, 50 swans were implanted with satellite transmitters, many of which are still functioning.� Birds with transmitters were not collared, but have a black antenna exiting near the base of the tail.� The movements of these swans can be followed at our web site: http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/avian_influenza/TUSW/index.html � PLEASE REPORT ANY OBSERVATIONS TO YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION OFFICER, OR TO: �� Craig Ely����������������������������������������� AlaskaScience Center������������������������������� 4210 University Drive����������������������� Anchorage, AK 99508������������������������������� Phone: (907) 786-7182������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� EM: cely AT usgs.gov���������������������������� ��������� � WE WILL PROVIDE ALL OBSERVERS WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BANDED SWAN THEY OBSERVED. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Overpeck Park: Greater White-Fronted Goose continues From: Jim Schlickenrieder <jschlickenrieder AT ALLIANCE.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:30:40 -0500 Hi All, Bill Elrick just phoned in that the Greater White-Fronted Goose is now being seen again in the stables/play area of the Overpeck Park in Leonia. Good Luck to those who go for it. Jim Schlick Butler, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: DE Juncos From: Elaine Long <luvacat1 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:22:51 -0500 Saw my FOS juncos in the back yard this morning. Checking my records, they normally arrive in Oct. My earliest record is Oct. 22, 2004. Of course, that doesn't mean that they weren't here earlier than today, but unseen by me. I have lots of House Sparrows right now eating all the seed. They like suet too. > "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it > has a song." ~ Chinese Proverb Elaine Long, East Brunswick, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: HSR: Raccoon Ridge (03 Nov 2009) 72 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 22:11:38 -0400 Raccoon Ridge Blairstown, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 217 Bald Eagle 3 7 160 Northern Harrier 5 10 67 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 23 1579 Cooper's Hawk 5 13 171 Northern Goshawk 1 2 5 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 18 34 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 5253 Red-tailed Hawk 50 179 387 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 4 9 American Kestrel 0 0 328 Merlin 1 1 120 Peregrine Falcon 2 3 33 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 6 39 Total: 72 266 8402 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.25 hours Official Counter: Brian Hardiman Observers: Jim Thomson, Megan Taylor, Roger Johnson Visitors: Additional observers: Matt Jardel, Bob Shaffer, Ed Sullivan, Dave Cory. Thank you to all for your eyes and company. Hikers - 6. Weather: overcast, foggy & hazy thru a.m., slowly clearing in afternoon to partly sunny skies, wind W 4-10 changing late to NW 5-15, temp 43-54 deg F. Raptor Observations: Most of flight was in afternoon when weather started to clear; morning was foggy, hazy, with poor visibility. BE - 11:20I, 12:59I, 3:02I. GE - 3:25. PG - 1:15; im. at 2:45 came out of nowhere at owl, circled up over look-out & harassed some soaring RTs. NG - im. between 2:00-3:00 was another ridge hugger, great look in beautiful light. First bird of the day (and only bird for much of the morning) was a Gray Ghost--a male NH at about 9:00 that followed the ridge and passed closely below us...this beautiful raptor gave us a spectacular look that earned it the Bird of the Day. Non-raptor Observations: Raven - 4 soaring together. TVs & 4 BV. Amer. Pipit - 1. Several large flocks of Amer. Robins. Cedar Waxwings - 20. Canada Geese - several flocks. Loon - 2. Doe swimming across Yards Creek reservoir followed closely by a large buck (the things we do for love...). BEAR - walking thru woods near look-out, about 80 yards away; got nice views of this big, beautiful, healthy looking animal. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Hardiman (hardiman AT nac.net) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Space Available on Sun, Nov. 8 Cape May Pelagic (8:00-4:00) From: "Paul A. Guris" <lists AT paulagics.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 21:27:40 -0500 There is still room available on our special 8-hour pelagic trip on Sunday, November 8 for for the Waterbird Society's annual meeting. The trip runs from 8:00 AM to about 4:00 PM, and the cost is $84. The boat will be leavings from Wildwood Crest (see our web site for directions). Target birds at this time of year include Parasitic and Pomarine Jaeger, Black-legged Kittiwake, Red Phalarope, Manx and Greater Shearwater, Northern Gannet, and some of the less common gulls like Iceland, Glaucous, Lesser Black-backed, and Little. The captain has been involved with bird surveys being undertaken to assess risk from wind turbines, and should have good recent knowledge as to what's out there. We will be chumming along the way to bring in jaegers, gulls, and gannets. If you have a decent camera, you might want to bring it for what should be a great opportunity for close-up Northern Gannet photos. Especially for people not from the area, we'll also make an effort to see Great Cormorant. Contact us or go to our web site to sign up, or if you have any questions. Hope to see you aboard. -PAG Paul A. Guris See Life Paulagics P.O. Box 161 Green Lane, PA 18054 www.paulagics.com 215-234-6805 info AT paulagics.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: old pine farm From: kraziezoo8 AT COMCAST.NET Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:21 +0000 Species seen today at Old Pine Farm in Deptford: Black Vulture Red Tailed Hawk flying with the vultures Hermit Thrush Robin Tufted Titmouse White Breasted Nuthatch Gold Crowned Kinglet Yellow Rumped Warbler Cardinal Northern Flicker Red Bellied Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Black Capped Chickadee Susie Highland Lindenwold Camden County How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Gloucester County - local notes and lingering birds From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:59:32 -0500 Hello, Spent Tues. afternoon and dusk locally. 11-3-09. Mostly sunny, light SW winds, 60 degrees or so. I hit some Delaware River spots to see what was around. The day of the lingering birds..... At least for Gloucester County. Had to change some of my latest dates. Anyway, highlights in brief: 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL - Pedricktown. 3 ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS - Riverwinds area. That's an area just south of my favorite Gloucester County fall spot - the dredge spoils. 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT - Pedricktown. BTW - heavy equipment on the causeway itself at Pedricktown. Could be the powers that be are finally fixing that bridge at the south end. Pity. I like the place with no cars! 2000 Or so ROBINS - were coming into roost at Pedricktown. They were everywhere. Dusk. That number is a complete estimate. 2 adult BALD EAGLES - Pedricktown. Probably the nesting pair. 0 GHO - strange after all I had yesterday in Cumberland County. 1 BOBWHITE - called near the High Hill Rd. marsh area. I didn't think they called now. Etc. I was expecting more waterfowl on the ground so to speak. Not much actually. Butterfly notes: none. I was hoping for some in that warm afternoon. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cooper's hawk hunting in Camden County. From: Yong Kong <yklitespeed AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:46:07 -0500 Hello, Witnessed twice within the past a few months. Today about noon, at a bakery facility on Rt 47 near the Glassboro WMA. a juvenile cooper's hawked landed in the middle of the parking lot of the bakery, next to a landscaped island. Then the bird dove/flew into a shrub (about 3 ft in height), and flies out of the shrub w/ bird in "hand". A few months ago on a Sat morning, at one of the busiest intersections in Camden/Gloucester County, at a intersection of Rt 322.. near the exit to AC Expressway. At the traffic light w/ long line of traffic in all direction, an adult Cooper's hawk was diving bombing a few shrubs near the 7/11 convenient store parking lot. There was even a guy standing at the intersection w/ some sort of "Going Out of Business" sign. The Coop just kept diving into a shrub trying to pick-up a house sparrow ? without any care about the traffic or the guy standing near by. On a more serious note, I could use a birding buddy. Yong Kong Sickerville, NJ yklitespeed AT comcast.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Upcoming Meeting (11/5/09) From: Bert Filemyr <afilemyr AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:41:18 -0500 The next meeting of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) is this Thursday, October November 11, 2009 at 7:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia Details at http://www.dvoc.org. Program - Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr, "The Composite Prints of Audubon's Birds of America - The Rarest of the Rare" While many people know that active DVOC Members Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr have written a book, "The Composite Plates of Audubon's Birds of America" (available on Amazon.com), here is your opportunity to hear the authors talk about those rare Audubon plates. Don't miss this one! In 1838, as John James Audubon's monumental creation, Birds of America, was nearing completion, he requested that his engraver, Robert Havell, produce 13 extra, unique prints. Havell was instructed to combine images from two separate plates into a single print, commonly known as a "Composite Plate". Only two full sets, along with a handful of individual prints, of these rare prints exist today and are rarely if ever seen by the public. In this presentation club members Jeff and Bert will provide an overview of John James Audubon the Birds of America project and intaglio printing. Particular emphasis will be on an analysis of the composite plates. Learn about how and why these unique plates were made. Everyone (both members and non-members) is welcome at this meeting ------------------------------------------------------------ Bert Filemyr Meadowbrook, PA How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Parasitic Jaegar on Newark Bay today... From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:44:53 -0500 At 9:45AM this morning, I was sitting outside of my friend's condo (located right on Newark Bay) talking to Mike Hiotis on the phone...when I had to abruptly end the phone call...because an adult light morph Parasitic Jaegar was flying in tandem with a Herring Gull...at no time did the Jaegar harass the gull...but when it got behind Bayonne High School (30th St & Ave A) the bird touched down briefly in the water before rising and continuing south...the bird was on a relatively steady course from north to south...an interesting and unexpected sighting with the lack of east winds...but the species is peaking at the moment... Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Find the right PC with Windows 7 and Windows Live. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/pc-scout/laptop-set-criteria.aspx?cbid=wl&filt=200,2400,10,19,1,3,1,7,50,650,2,12,0,1000&cat=1,2,3,4,5,6&brands=5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16&addf=4,5,9&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen2:112009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cape May, 3 Nov From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:43:56 -0500 Hi all: Yesterday's Golden Eagle (presumably the same) was seen again this morning over Sunset Ave. from the Hawkwatch platform. A lovely day, weather-wise -- light breeze, blue sky, made for difficult counting conditions for counter, Melissa Roach. However, a steady stream of Sharpies and the odd Northern Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, and American Kestrel joined the vulture kettle on their way through the point. A Cliff Swallow was found a couple times amidst the Tree Swallow flock, first found by Michael O'Brien. The Common Eider flock hanging around the point continues to grow -- now up to 22, with a couple of older, but not yet adult, males -- look for them at the various jetties from the State Park around to Coral Ave or so (and three just flew by my house in Villas heading that direction, so perhaps the flock size will grow to 25). The two non-adult-male Eurasian Wigeon continue nicely ensconced on Lighthouse Pond (in front of the blind), as does the juvenile Common Moorhen (in front of the overlook). Purple Sandpipers, which have been very slow to occupy local jetties this fall, were reported from the jetty in front of the Avalon Seawatch, today. Doug Gochfeld reports a good number and variety of dabblers flying by the Seawatch in addition to more Buffleheads and a Hooded Merganser. Another Hooded, an adult male, was on Bunker Pond today (along with a Bufflehead). Blackpoll Warblers were still in evidence today, with at least 1 going over the Hawkwatch this morning. That's all for now. Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook 2 Nov--Clay-colored Sparrow From: Scott Barnes <myiarchus16 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:45:44 -0800 Jerseybirders, � I spent a few hours at the hook today with Linda Mack.� The highlight was a Clay-colored Sparrow near the maintenance building at the east end of Randolph St. that Linda found.� The bird was with a mixed flock of Chipping Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos. � Two Common Eiders (one female, one subadult male) were in the cove north of C-lot, and Spermaceti Cove held the first sizeable flock of Buffleheads (16)�I've seen this year.� A Common Moorhen found on Halloween continued along with a coot in north pond today. � Other migrants today included a smattering of Sharpies & Coops, Northern Harrier,�4 Merlins, American Pipit,�Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creepers, and several Hermit Thrushes.� Small numbers of Royal and Forster's Terns persist as well. � Good Birding, � Scott Barnes Senior Naturalist Sandy Hook Bird Observatory New Jersey Audubon www.njaudubon.org/Centers/SHBO � How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fw: sandy hook yesterday From: Scott Barnes <myiarchus16 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:25:33 -0800 Forwarded by request.................... � Scott Barnes Senior Naturalist Sandy Hook Bird Observatory New Jersey Audubon www.njaudubon.org/Centers/SHBO � ______________________________________________________________________ --- On Mon, 11/2/09, Tait Johansson wrote: From: Tait Johansson Subject: sandy hook yesterday Date: Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:29 AM Hello, ��� Since I'm not subscribed to the NJ listserv, I thought maybe you'd be a good person to e-mail about a few birds at the Sandy Hook area yesterday- would you mind passing on the following post to the listserve? Many thanks, Tait Johansson Jerseybirders, �� Yesterday (11/1), Michelle Cranwell and I spent several hours at Sandy Hook and, echoing the theme of Claus Holzapfel's earlier post, encountered surprisingly few birds.� There were some highlights, though: On the beach at lot B: 1 1st year Iceland Gull On the beach at lot F: 1 Snow Bunting On the beach near the False Hook with a few Black-bellied Plovers and Dunlins: �� 1 Juvenile American Golden-Plover �� 6 Snow Buntings �� We also tried twice for the Ash-throated Flycatcher at Thompson Park in Lincroft without success, but found an Orange-crowned Warbler instead.� This bird was along the first few hundred feet (from the parking lot by the south end of the lake) of the Marlu trail in a large clump of Autumn Olives in between two adjaecent parallel mowed trails (there are actually two trails along the lake here instead of the one "Marlu trail" indicated on the park trail map). Good birding, Tait Tait Johansson Naturalist Bedford Audubon Society 35 Todd Rd. Katonah, NY 10536 (914) 232-1999 Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. Try it now. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: HSR: Raccoon Ridge (02 Nov 2009) 49 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:11:04 -0400 Raccoon Ridge Blairstown, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 217 Bald Eagle 3 4 157 Northern Harrier 2 5 62 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 20 1576 Cooper's Hawk 1 8 166 Northern Goshawk 0 1 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 17 33 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 5253 Red-tailed Hawk 35 129 337 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 3 8 American Kestrel 0 0 328 Merlin 0 0 119 Peregrine Falcon 1 1 31 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 4 6 39 Total: 49 194 8330 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours Official Counter: Brian Hardiman Observers: Jim Thomson Visitors: Bob Verdon--good to see you back on 'coon, thanks for the visit; Frank. Hikers - 4. Weather: overcast early to mostly sunny, wind E 0-5, temp 40-54 deg F. Raptor Observations: Many high birds today, fortunately there was cloud cover. BE - 11:35(2I), 3:20I. Also 4 im. BE together doing aerial battle (not counted). GE - 8:03(I). PG - 1:50. Non-raptor Observations: Snow Geese - flock of 40. Canada Geese - flocks moving much of day. TVs & BVs. E. Bluebirds. Amer. Robins - large flock late in day. Blackbirds - HUGE flock passing early. Raven - 3. Great-horned Owls - pair calling on our walk out under a full moon. Monarch Butterfly - 1. BEAR - one seen high in tree downslope from look-out at 9:00 am, apparently feeding on hickory nuts. BIRD OF THE DAY was the 1st bird of the day--the 8:03 im. Golden Eagle that circled up out of the valley. Likely the same bird we saw yesterday at the end of the day that stayed upridge and didn't pass. Predictions: PHILLIES IN SEVEN. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Hardiman (hardiman AT nac.net) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Waterfowl in Cumberland County From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:56:57 -0500 Hello, Certain species are starting to stage in my various Cumberland County ponds. I explored today. Plus some areas in northern Cape May County. In brief for those in the area: BUFFLEHEAD - 7 were at the Maple Ave. impoundments. RING-NECKED DUCKS - Are around. RUDDY DUCKS - several ponds had one or two each. No big numbers though. LESSER SCAUP - ditto. GREEN-WINGED TEAL were all over the marshes. None at the Reed's Beach Pond though. 1 RED-BREASTED MERG - Turkey Point Rd. pond. 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT - Goshen Landing Rd. area. The norm. I always have through Nov. GREAT HORNED OWLS - I had 5 pairs calling. I saw a few. Very nice. I am sure the drizzle and overcast skies helped with that! Setting up those territiories. 1 PIPIT - on the dike at Maple Ave. My "out-of-place" bird for the day. Hundreds and hundreds of the usual late fall - early winter species around. Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Kinglets, etc. Everywhere. I couldn't come up with anything unusual. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Gyr and LeConte's photos From: Christopher Takacs <Uschris AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:48:05 EST A few people have asked if anyone had a photo of the LeConte's at Overpeck, my friend emailed me one. I'm adding a link to it and a Gyr photo from my very lucky Jones Beach 45 minute stay . A great deal of work and work-related travel has kept me from posting either photo. Dumb luck put me at the Coast Guard Station on Jones Beach on GyrSunday. I was working at Hofstra U., just up the Meadowbrook from west end Jones Beach. I spent 45 minutes out towards the ocean and edges of some parking lots. Decided to drive around and saw some birders in the CG Station so I went in. Most birders there were didn't respond to my questions about what may be around. I was a bit surprised. So I approached a photographer with big equipment, I thought nature paparazzi, asked what he had and he told me Peregrine. I told him "biggest darn Peregrine I've ever seen". He told me someone with a camera had chased it off it's kill, the Herring Gull. I took a few photos from a distance with my modest 300mm through some low growth along the parking lot. Bird jumped up opened it's wings and landed much closer. The Gull was now between me and the Falcon. I took a few shots and left, not sure what I saw. I just knew it was about Herring Gull size. Not one birder at Jones Beach that morning said anything other than Peregrine, some even waving their hand at me like it was old hat when I mentioned checking out the bird. I didn't look at my photos until I heard about a possible Gyr at Jones Beach while chasing the LeConte's Sparrow at Overpeck 3 days later. Went home to check them out on the computer knowing they were pretty crappy and distant, but probably good enough to help ID. So below I have links to 2 photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/96567639 AT N00/4070077066/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/96567639 AT N00/4070077136/ Thanks and good birding Chris Takacs Lyndhurst How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Spruce Run Ducks From: Mike Hiotis <mhiotis1 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:35:29 -0500 Hey folks, Some nice mixed groups of waterfowl are starting to drop in to the inland reservoirs,always a treat... 1 Nov.- 10+-Buffleheads 2-Red-breasted Mergs. 3- L. Scuap 1-White-winged Scoter 2 Nov.- Buffleheads 8 Gadwall 2-Ruddys 10 Am. Widgeon 50+ Ring-necked 30+ Black Mallards 11 Green-winged Teal 4-L. Scaup Pied-billed Grebe(in before today) 3- Hooded Mergs Mike Hiotis Martinsville NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Overpeck Greater White-fronted Goose still present From: Larry Scacchetti <L_scacchetti AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:28:38 -0500 As of 12:30 pm the goose was still at the playground near the stables in Overpeck Park. He was the 3rd bird from the parking lot. He was feeding the whole time, but there was a man mowing the lawn and was making his way to the flock. Also in the field were several GC Kinglets and 4 Monk parakeets. It was interesting to see the goose and the parakeets meet in NJ. I got a few shots of the goose here : http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrybird13/ Larry Scacchetti Nyack, NY How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Winslow Twp Birding-Scoter, Scaup, Savannah Sparrows From: Matt Webster <mattweb100 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:03:19 -0500 Today I only spent about an hour and a half birding locally, but saw some nice birds! Penbryn Pond (Berlin, NJ) had 5 SURF SCOTER and 3 RUDDY DUCKS (that is only the 3rd time I've seen Scoter there) Lake George (Sicklerville, NJ) was loaded with ducks. approx 50 RUDDY DUCKS, 20 LESSER SCAUP, 20 RING NECKED DUCKS, 1 HOODED MERGANSER Winslow WMA- 7 SAVANNAH SPARROWS, 7 FIELD SPARROWS, 1 SWAMP SPARROW Matt Webster Sicklerville, NJ mattweb100 AT gmail.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Meadowlands From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:21:58 -0500 The Meadowlands was generally devoid of migrants today...I observed a GREAT EGRET, 12 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 300 NORTHERN SHOVELER, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, 4 HORNED LARK, MERLIN, PEREGRINE, COOPER'S HAWK (Imm), HARRIER (Imm), and a handful of RED-TAILED HAWKS. Notes: The Harrier and Merlin were hunting over the Erie & Kingsland landfills. The Horned Larks were on the defunct Encap site. The Coop has been hanging around the Kingsland for about a week or so...I've seen it from the train. Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: It works the way you want. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen2:112009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cackling and White-fronted Geese From: Thomas Halliwell <tbhalliwell AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:12:40 -0500 Hello all, Today (Monday) there were a Cackling Goose and 2 White-fronted Geese among the 1000-2000 Canadas at White Pond in Kittatinny Valley SP, Andover. The birds were seen from the Sussex Branch RR Trail. The 2 White-fronts stay together among the hordes of Canadas. All the best, Tom Halliwell Netcong How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cave Swallow at CM Hawkwatch; Red-necked Grebe, Bufflehead at Seawatch From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:02:21 -0500 Hi all: Vince Elia reports that a single Cave Swallow is present among the Tree Swallows at the Hawkwatch platfrom in Cape May Point SP this morning. There are also Barn and N. Rough-winged swallows there. Doug Gochfeld is conducting the Seawatch count today at Avalon and he reports FOS Bufflehead and Red-necked Grebe. I have heard no word today about the two Eurasian Wigeons at Cape May Point SP, yet. Enjoy, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook Sunday: Lark Sparrow, Am.Golden Plover From: Claus Holzapfel <holzapfe AT ANDROMEDA.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:05:40 -0500 Greetings, I found Sandy Hook yesterday (Sunday Nov.1 2009) ghostly devoid of birds (Halloween aftermath?). True to the motto "there's always something at the Hook", highlights were: a bright Lark Sparrow at the S end of the K lot, and the continuing (and very tame) immature American Golden Plover near the False Hook. Cheers Claus ************************************************* "They [scientists] are, despite their efforts at dignity, rather like young animals engaged in savage play." Levis Thomas, 1973, The Lives of a Cell Oh, oh - nobody told me about that dignity thing! pers. comm. ************************************************* Dr. Claus Holzapfel Rutgers University Dept. of Biological Sciences Boyden Hall 408 (lab 435) 195 University Ave Newark, NJ 07102-1811 USA Tel 973 353 5385 Fax 973 353 5518 holzapfe AT andromeda.rutgers.edu http://newarkbioweb.rutgers.edu/Holzapfel%20Lab/ *************************************************************** Jersey Roots, Global Reach Please consider the environment before printing this email How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Photographing-Disturbing-and Gyrfalcon photo From: Michael Gochfeld <gochfeld AT EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:36:19 -0500 As the person who posted the Gyrfalcon photo in the first place and who encouraged Jeffrey to post his comments which he originally made off-list to me AND DID NOT INTEND TO DISSEMINATE, I must say that I wondered how such a photograph could be obtained. I have photographed birds for more than 50 years with a variety of lenses, long and short and I've disturbed some. YOu get a feel for the natural pose. I'm sorry Jeffrey if my encouragement put you in the hot seat, but I still think you were right to post the reminder. Perhaps I was wrong to have shared the photo. It's a bit like chess where there are unintended consequences of what seems an obvious move. But also Sorry Henry, I don't think it is slander to remind ourselves occasionally that bird watching (including photography) come at a price. None of us were there, and what's done is done and what's gone is gone. This particular photographer isn't actually the issue any longer. But Aside from it being illegal to harass birds even to get a great, breathtaking photo, it is also contrary to birding ethical issues. I realize that birders and photographers will flush birds, and that rarities will therefore get flushed multiple times. \This list has had a long history of recognizing that some rarities DON'T GET POSTED for fear that greedy people will disturb them. Perhaps we need a one-flush rule in general. And perhaps for rarities that other people would like to see and photograph, a no-flush rule. I'll be happy to continue this discussion with Henry and Jeffrey off-line. However, in view of the recent thread about SNOWY OWLS, it is a really good time to remind ourselves that Snowy Owls are often repeatedly flushed by birders and photographers. There are more than enough great Snowy Owl photos in this world. I'll be standing back if I'm lucky enough to see one. Michael Gochfeld gochfeld AT eohsi.rutgers.edu ________________________________ From: New Jersey Birding on behalf of Henry Kielblock Sent: Sun 11/1/2009 5:03 PM To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Subject: Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit Jeffery Davis, Why on earth would you so publicly slander Luke Ormand on the basis of two stranger's hearsay reports? Did you say anything to Ormand? Did the two strangers? Did they post accusations? At the end of your hurtful tattle-tale post you claim not to be "a photographer basher, nor do I wish to start off such an off-topic thread,..." How disingenuous! You posted it and if you're not a basher you're certainly a public slanderer with no creditable evidence! Could you possibly have thought that some alleged harm to a bird outweighed your certain harm to a fellow human being? Mystified by your action, I remain, Henry Kielblock Asbury, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeffery Davis" To: Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 10:11 AM Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit I went to Jones Beach on Friday to look for the Gyr on the Very off chance it might be around. It wasn't but I met two observers who were, as far as they know, the first on the Gyrfalcon. In the course of our discussion they told me that it certainly appeared to them that it was Luke Ormand's pressing of the bird that appeared to cause it to repeatedly leave its kill, flying back and forth from a nearby tree and back to its kill, until finally it was stressed enough to abandon its hard won meal before finishing and fly off. This was the last the bird was seen, at least in NY (It may have been seen at Allens pond in MA yesterday). I was not there to see the event. I certainly wish I was! I certainly don't know, or even think, that the bird would still be hanging around "if only for ..." and I'm NOT a photographer basher, nor do I wish to start off such an off-topic thread, but I thought I would mention this report in the context of the discussion of this particular instance of Wildlife Photography. There are other Great photos of the bird out there including Grace Scalzo's photos here: http://gracesgallery.smugmug.com/Other/Gyr-falcon/10140403_F5Fd6#697300509_6LHFc regards, jeff Downingtown, PA Checkout our bird photos at the link below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffamy/ "Birding Like I Have Six Months To Live" > Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 08:04:36 -0500 > From: gochfeld AT EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU > Subject: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > Several people emailed me offline about the photo of the Gyrfalcon with > the Herring Gull which (although it is not technically in NJ, was pretty > close). First of all, I had nothing to do with the photo or photographer > nor either bird. But I would rate that photo among the best of wildlife > photography. > > After seconds of intensive research (one email to my nephew) here are the > details of the photograph. > ================================================= > > The photographer is Luke Ormand. Here is what he used: > > NIKON D300s 300mm + 1.7 TC > f/6.7 > 1/1600s > iso 640 > -.67 EC > > -Doug > ========================================= > The Nikon D300s sells for upwards of $1500. I'm amazed at the clarity with > a telextender. > > MICHAEL > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gochfeldlaw AT aol.com > To: FRESHA2411 AT aol.com > Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2009 7:31 am > Subject: Re: do you know the photographer > > > > > Michael Gochfeld gochfeld AT eohsi.rutgers.edu > > > ________________________________ > > From: New Jersey Birding on behalf of Tony Leukering > Sent: Sun 11/1/2009 7:39 AM > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, etc. at Cape May on Halloween > > > > Hi all: > > I was fortunate enough to find an immature male Eurasian Wigeon on > Lighthouse Pond (right at the viewing blind) in Cape May Point SP > yesterday (see pix on the birdcapemay.org blog and on my flickr site -- > flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering). Other interesting birds around the > county yesterday included a continuing Clay-colored Sparrow along the > south side of Bunker Pond in the State Park (found the day before by > Michael O'Brien), and one or two Western Kingbirds. One Western Kingbird > at Hidden Valley, at least early, was probably the same bird as seen there > the day before and possibly the same as has been wandering around Cape > Island for a couple days; the same or another was found by Dawn and Josh > Nemeth with a large flock of bluebirds in the southeast section of Villas > WMA that I (and others) managed to track down in the afternoon (pic on the > birdcapemay.org blog). > > Finally, I wanted to publicly say "fare well" to the CMBO/NJAS > interpretive and research interns that are leaving today or shortly (their > seasons are finished) -- the season was more enjoyable with your presence > and you were part of, arguably, the best set of interns here, ever. Good > luck! > > Enjoy, > > Tony Leukering > Villas, NJ > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.43/2474 - Release Date: 11/01/09 07:38:00 How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Overpeck Greater White-fronted -- YES From: Jim Schlickenrieder <jschlickenrieder AT ALLIANCE.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:56:13 -0500 Hello All, I made a brief stop here just before 7 a.m and was able to see the bird as it flew overhead amongst approximately 20 Canada Geese. The flock circled 4 times without landing and possibly returned to the water. Jim Schlick Butler, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Mountain Lakes (Princeton) From: Chris Wyluda <lutachris AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 22:28:45 -0500 We were not birding today, but happened to spot three brown creepers at this park. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: HSR: Raccoon Ridge (01 Nov 2009) 145 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 23:11:44 -0400 Raccoon Ridge Blairstown, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 217 Bald Eagle 1 1 154 Northern Harrier 3 3 60 Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 18 1574 Cooper's Hawk 7 7 165 Northern Goshawk 1 1 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 17 17 33 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 5253 Red-tailed Hawk 94 94 302 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 2 2 7 American Kestrel 0 0 328 Merlin 0 0 119 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 30 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 2 2 35 Total: 145 145 8281 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours Official Counter: Brian Hardiman Observers: Jim Thomson, Maura Griffin, Patrick Keelen, Steve Bagen Visitors: Additional observers: Denise Asbjorn, Megan Taylor, Brian Butler, Larry Bailey, Sean "Suds Stomper" Grace & friends Melissa & Cory. Also our CT friend Mike Reese and son Aidan "Voodoo Child" Reese & Ben. Other visitors & hikers: 12. Weather: overcast thru a.m. with clearing in afternoon, wind NW 0-8, temp 45-54 deg F. Raptor Observations: BE - 2:45A (other BEs seen but not counted, including 3 im. "playing"). GE - 10:58I, 2:10A. A third GE (im.) seen upridge at 4:25 but never passed. NG - im. at 1:10 straight down ridge, close, offered great looks...Bird of the Day. Non-raptor Observations: TVs & BV. Loons - 3. Raven - 2. Snow Bunting - 1. Brant - flocks of 80, 20, & 60. Snow Geese - flock of 80. E. Bluebirds. Monarchs - 1. Orange Sulphur - 1. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Hardiman (hardiman AT nac.net) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: lots of birds overhead From: David La Puma <woodcreeper AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:29:24 -0500 not to over-post, but I just got back in from an hour of moonwatching, during which I watched for 20 minutes (2 10-minute samples) and had over 100 birds (I think... I need to go over the voice recording to confirm, since I'm going solo tonight). I didn't hear any flight calls though... birds are high? clear skies? I'm not tuned-in? all possibilities. in case you were considering doing some moonwatching, but needed some more encouragement- it's awesome tonight! cheers David ____________________________________________________ David A. La Puma, Ph.D. Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources Online Teaching Portfolio: http://www.woodcreeper.com/teaching Lockwood lab: http://rci.rutgers.edu/~jlockwoo Websites: http://www.woodcreeper.com http://badbirdz2.wordpress.com Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodcreeper -- NFC-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NFC_WELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NFC_RULES Archives: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nfc-l AT cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NFCL.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NFC-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ -- Subject: lots of birds overhead From: David La Puma <woodcreeper AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:29:24 -0500 not to over-post, but I just got back in from an hour of moonwatching, during which I watched for 20 minutes (2 10-minute samples) and had over 100 birds (I think... I need to go over the voice recording to confirm, since I'm going solo tonight). I didn't hear any flight calls though... birds are high? clear skies? I'm not tuned-in? all possibilities. in case you were considering doing some moonwatching, but needed some more encouragement- it's awesome tonight! cheers David ____________________________________________________ David A. La Puma, Ph.D. Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources Online Teaching Portfolio: http://www.woodcreeper.com/teaching Lockwood lab: http://rci.rutgers.edu/~jlockwoo Websites: http://www.woodcreeper.com http://badbirdz2.wordpress.com Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodcreeper How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Princeton CBC, etc. From: Laurie Larson <llarson AT PRINCETON.EDU> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:12:21 -0500 Friends, The Princeton CBC is Dec. 20 this year. We would appreciate any help. Note that most years there are two Sundays before Christmas on which counts may be scheduled, but because of the rule that Dec. 14 is the earliest possible date for a count, and the 13th is a Sunday, this year there's only one Sunday falling before the 25th that's also within count period. Audubon made that change a few years back now, but many people are still assuming "second Sunday in December" for Princeton (and many other counts) so I thought I'd mention this. For Princeton, you can e-mail me or Lou Beck of Washington Crossing Audubon. Mike Anderson of NJAS and I are working on the annual list of NJ counts and will post it soon. Also wanted to note that the poster of the "joke" which seemed inappropriate to many of us has been dealt with, and won't do it again. Rogers Refuge this morning was surprisingly birdy, with hundreds of Robins, some Cedar Waxwings, two or possibly three Pileated Woodpeckers, Sapsuckers and other seasonal birds. Laurie Princeton, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Another mis-shot From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:08:24 EST Hi Jersey Birders, Tony Leukering was kind enough to review my photos and has determined it is a Forsters Tern and not Sandwich. I will someday learn to ID first and shoot second. Many Thanks to Tony and his uncanny skills Good Birding, Harvey Tomlinson How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Brigantine today: Meadowlark, Hooded Merganser and more From: Christine Pazzani <chrispazzani AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:49:16 -0500 It was a pretty good day for our first visit to Brigantine. For us the highlight was an eastern meadowlark, but we also saw ruddy ducks, many northern pintails, black ducks, brants, snow geese and a lone hooded merganser. There also one osprey and a few Northern Harriers. There were plenty of yellow-rumped warblers and a Carolina Wren We arrived early and watched a red fox for about 15 minutes. People we saw later in the day implied that was rare, but I guess we were lucky. Photos at http://www.new-jersey-birds.com/labels/Brigantine.html -Chris How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Apology From: tony croasdale <tony.croasdale AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:55:54 -0500 I want to publicly apologise to Steve. Steve is a dear friend and I should have never implied that he do anything so ridiculous as take a picture of a gyrfalcon. I'm just bored at a Brazilian youth hostel checking absurd posts on Jersey Birds since my owling plans got postponed. Despite my recent sightings of white-lored spinetail, hyacinth macaw, tapir and maned wolf, I still look forward to freezing my ass off with everyone on the Barnegat Jetty when I get home. Good birding, -- Tony Croasdale In Brazil until December 5th How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: pissing contests and moon watching From: David La Puma <woodcreeper AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:54:32 -0500 Let's take some of that passion and turn it into something productive. Birds are moving overhead right now, how about taking an hour to do some moon watching? You can find all the details (directions, stc) here: http://www.woodcreeper.com/moonwatching-2009/ It should be a fun time!!! ...heading out right now... David ____________________________________________________ David A. La Puma, Ph.D. Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources Online Teaching Portfolio: http://www.woodcreeper.com/teaching Lockwood lab: http://rci.rutgers.edu/~jlockwoo Websites: http://www.woodcreeper.com http://badbirdz2.wordpress.com Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodcreeper How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit From: Jeffery Davis <jwdjwd67 AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:53:09 -0500 When posting this I hesitated greatly. I mentioned it to a fellow birder privately and he encouraged me that it was something that deserved to be posted and ultimately I agreed. Now I'm very sorry I did. I am not a photographer basher. There is nothing disingenuous about that statement. Some of my best friends are photographers. ;) But I also believe that all of the ones I'm friends with are experienced enough and/or at least conscientious enough to make every attempt to let a bird do its bird business without placing their desire for a great shot over the bird's welfare. And maybe part of why they, I, and others TRY to be conscientious, besides being "holier-than-thou", is that we know that if we behave badly word will get around and we will get called out. This is a report from two eyewitnesses. You can do with it as you see fit. Feel free to think these very nice birders were liars. It's a free country. I can offer one suggestion why the two birders I spoke with might not have posted about what they saw. They probably didn't want to bother since they would just end up being called "disingenuous tattle-tales" or be on the receiving end of some worse behavior since they wouldn't be able to remain anonymous. All that being said, I have certainly learned my lesson. I'll just say one more thing then shut up for good. If Mr. Ormand did nothing wrong and really made every effort to act conscientiously toward this bird then I would like to publicly and sincerely apologize for any harm caused him by my words. I certainly hope this is the case since I was as enamored by his beautiful photos as anyone. regards, jeff BTW- I can neither confirm nor deny Steve Kacir's involvement in this incident. ;) Downingtown, PA Checkout our bird photos at the link below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffamy/ "Birding Like I Have Six Months To Live" > Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:03:21 -0500 > From: hlkiel AT COMCAST.NET > Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > Jeffery Davis, > > Why on earth would you so publicly slander Luke Ormand on the basis of two > stranger's hearsay reports? Did you say anything to Ormand? Did the two > strangers? Did they post accusations? > > At the end of your hurtful tattle-tale post you claim not to be "a > photographer basher, nor do I wish to start off such an off-topic > thread,..." > How disingenuous! You posted it and if you're not a basher you're certainly > a public slanderer with no creditable evidence! > > Could you possibly have thought that some alleged harm to a bird outweighed > your certain harm to a fellow human being? > > Mystified by your action, I remain, > > Henry Kielblock > Asbury, NJ > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jeffery Davis" > To: > Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 10:11 AM > Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit > > > I went to Jones Beach on Friday to look for the Gyr on the Very off chance > it might be around. It wasn't but I met two observers who were, as far as > they know, the first on the Gyrfalcon. In the course of our discussion they > told me that it certainly appeared to them that it was Luke Ormand's > pressing of the bird that appeared to cause it to repeatedly leave its kill, > flying back and forth from a nearby tree and back to its kill, until finally > it was stressed enough to abandon its hard won meal before finishing and fly > off. This was the last the bird was seen, at least in NY (It may have been > seen at Allens pond in MA yesterday). I was not there to see the event. I > certainly wish I was! I certainly don't know, or even think, that the bird > would still be hanging around "if only for ..." and I'm NOT a photographer > basher, nor do I wish to start off such an off-topic thread, but I thought I > would mention this report in the context of the discussion of this > particular instance of Wildlife Photography. > > > > There are other Great photos of the bird out there including > > Grace Scalzo's photos here: > http://gracesgallery.smugmug.com/Other/Gyr-falcon/10140403_F5Fd6#697300509_6LHFc > > regards, > jeff > > Downingtown, PA > > Checkout our bird photos at the link below: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffamy/ > > "Birding Like I Have Six Months To Live" > > > > > Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 08:04:36 -0500 > > From: gochfeld AT EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU > > Subject: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit > > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > > > Several people emailed me offline about the photo of the Gyrfalcon with > > the Herring Gull which (although it is not technically in NJ, was pretty > > close). First of all, I had nothing to do with the photo or photographer > > nor either bird. But I would rate that photo among the best of wildlife > > photography. > > > > After seconds of intensive research (one email to my nephew) here are the > > details of the photograph. > > ================================================= > > > > The photographer is Luke Ormand. Here is what he used: > > > > NIKON D300s 300mm + 1.7 TC > > f/6.7 > > 1/1600s > > iso 640 > > -.67 EC > > > > -Doug > > ========================================= > > The Nikon D300s sells for upwards of $1500. I'm amazed at the clarity with > > a telextender. > > > > MICHAEL > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Gochfeldlaw AT aol.com > > To: FRESHA2411 AT aol.com > > Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2009 7:31 am > > Subject: Re: do you know the photographer > > > > > > > > > > Michael Gochfeld gochfeld AT eohsi.rutgers.edu > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > From: New Jersey Birding on behalf of Tony Leukering > > Sent: Sun 11/1/2009 7:39 AM > > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, etc. at Cape May on Halloween > > > > > > > > Hi all: > > > > I was fortunate enough to find an immature male Eurasian Wigeon on > > Lighthouse Pond (right at the viewing blind) in Cape May Point SP > > yesterday (see pix on the birdcapemay.org blog and on my flickr site -- > > flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering). Other interesting birds around the > > county yesterday included a continuing Clay-colored Sparrow along the > > south side of Bunker Pond in the State Park (found the day before by > > Michael O'Brien), and one or two Western Kingbirds. One Western Kingbird > > at Hidden Valley, at least early, was probably the same bird as seen there > > the day before and possibly the same as has been wandering around Cape > > Island for a couple days; the same or another was found by Dawn and Josh > > Nemeth with a large flock of bluebirds in the southeast section of Villas > > WMA that I (and others) managed to track down in the afternoon (pic on the > > birdcapemay.org blog). > > > > Finally, I wanted to publicly say "fare well" to the CMBO/NJAS > > interpretive and research interns that are leaving today or shortly (their > > seasons are finished) -- the season was more enjoyable with your presence > > and you were part of, arguably, the best set of interns here, ever. Good > > luck! > > > > Enjoy, > > > > Tony Leukering > > Villas, NJ > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > > > > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.43/2474 - Release Date: 11/01/09 > 07:38:00 > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit From: tony croasdale <tony.croasdale AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:53:50 -0500 Actually while searching (successfully) for the canebreak groundcreeper in Parana I ran into a Belgian birder who heard it from a British gentleman on Bird Chat that it was in fact Steve Kacir on one of his usual PCP induced photo rampages that was the one to scare the gyrfalcon away. -- Tony Croasdale In Brazil until December 5th How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Overpeck County Park , Greater White-fronted Goose From: "Zupfer, Evan" <No1Ornithologist AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:27:40 -0500 I found the Greater White-fronted Goose on Overpeck Creek sometime around noon. As I was arriving at the park a large group of Canada Geese took off from the stables and flew towards the river. Assuming the White-fronted was in this flock I grabbed my scope and double timed it to the east side of the river. A quick binocular scan discovered the goose on the west side of the river moving south along with a group of Canada Geese. With the help of my scope I easily saw the white front and pink bill identifying it as a Greater White- fronted Goose. It must have arrived last night or this morning because I was at Overpeck yesterday and did not see it. Other highlights were some great looks at an immature bald eagle harassed by crows, an adult male american kestrel, and a beautiful soaring Red-tailed hawk. My full list of sightings is below. Thanks to everybody who posts their sightings so we can see these rarities. Live your Passion! >} Live to Bird! > > Location: Overpeck County Park > Observation date: 11/1/09 > Number of species: 18 > > Greater White-fronted Goose 1 > Canada Goose 50 > Double-crested Cormorant 10 > Bald Eagle 1 > Red-tailed Hawk 1 > American Kestrel 1 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > Blue Jay 4 > American Crow 5 > Black-capped Chickadee X > American Robin 2 > Eastern Towhee 1 > Savannah Sparrow 1 > Song Sparrow X > Swamp Sparrow X > White-throated Sparrow 2 > Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X > American Goldfinch 2 Evan J. Zupfer No1Ornithologist AT aol.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit From: Henry Kielblock <hlkiel AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:03:21 -0500 Jeffery Davis, Why on earth would you so publicly slander Luke Ormand on the basis of two stranger's hearsay reports? Did you say anything to Ormand? Did the two strangers? Did they post accusations? At the end of your hurtful tattle-tale post you claim not to be "a photographer basher, nor do I wish to start off such an off-topic thread,..." How disingenuous! You posted it and if you're not a basher you're certainly a public slanderer with no creditable evidence! Could you possibly have thought that some alleged harm to a bird outweighed your certain harm to a fellow human being? Mystified by your action, I remain, Henry Kielblock Asbury, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeffery Davis" To: Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 10:11 AM Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit I went to Jones Beach on Friday to look for the Gyr on the Very off chance it might be around. It wasn't but I met two observers who were, as far as they know, the first on the Gyrfalcon. In the course of our discussion they told me that it certainly appeared to them that it was Luke Ormand's pressing of the bird that appeared to cause it to repeatedly leave its kill, flying back and forth from a nearby tree and back to its kill, until finally it was stressed enough to abandon its hard won meal before finishing and fly off. This was the last the bird was seen, at least in NY (It may have been seen at Allens pond in MA yesterday). I was not there to see the event. I certainly wish I was! I certainly don't know, or even think, that the bird would still be hanging around "if only for ..." and I'm NOT a photographer basher, nor do I wish to start off such an off-topic thread, but I thought I would mention this report in the context of the discussion of this particular instance of Wildlife Photography. There are other Great photos of the bird out there including Grace Scalzo's photos here: http://gracesgallery.smugmug.com/Other/Gyr-falcon/10140403_F5Fd6#697300509_6LHFc regards, jeff Downingtown, PA Checkout our bird photos at the link below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffamy/ "Birding Like I Have Six Months To Live" > Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 08:04:36 -0500 > From: gochfeld AT EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU > Subject: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > Several people emailed me offline about the photo of the Gyrfalcon with > the Herring Gull which (although it is not technically in NJ, was pretty > close). First of all, I had nothing to do with the photo or photographer > nor either bird. But I would rate that photo among the best of wildlife > photography. > > After seconds of intensive research (one email to my nephew) here are the > details of the photograph. > ================================================= > > The photographer is Luke Ormand. Here is what he used: > > NIKON D300s 300mm + 1.7 TC > f/6.7 > 1/1600s > iso 640 > -.67 EC > > -Doug > ========================================= > The Nikon D300s sells for upwards of $1500. I'm amazed at the clarity with > a telextender. > > MICHAEL > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gochfeldlaw AT aol.com > To: FRESHA2411 AT aol.com > Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2009 7:31 am > Subject: Re: do you know the photographer > > > > > Michael Gochfeld gochfeld AT eohsi.rutgers.edu > > > ________________________________ > > From: New Jersey Birding on behalf of Tony Leukering > Sent: Sun 11/1/2009 7:39 AM > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, etc. at Cape May on Halloween > > > > Hi all: > > I was fortunate enough to find an immature male Eurasian Wigeon on > Lighthouse Pond (right at the viewing blind) in Cape May Point SP > yesterday (see pix on the birdcapemay.org blog and on my flickr site -- > flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering). Other interesting birds around the > county yesterday included a continuing Clay-colored Sparrow along the > south side of Bunker Pond in the State Park (found the day before by > Michael O'Brien), and one or two Western Kingbirds. One Western Kingbird > at Hidden Valley, at least early, was probably the same bird as seen there > the day before and possibly the same as has been wandering around Cape > Island for a couple days; the same or another was found by Dawn and Josh > Nemeth with a large flock of bluebirds in the southeast section of Villas > WMA that I (and others) managed to track down in the afternoon (pic on the > birdcapemay.org blog). > > Finally, I wanted to publicly say "fare well" to the CMBO/NJAS > interpretive and research interns that are leaving today or shortly (their > seasons are finished) -- the season was more enjoyable with your presence > and you were part of, arguably, the best set of interns here, ever. Good > luck! > > Enjoy, > > Tony Leukering > Villas, NJ > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.43/2474 - Release Date: 11/01/09 07:38:00 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cape May Day From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:53:03 EST Hi Jersey Birders, November can be crazy in Cape May and today was just that. Started the morning at the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge (Coast Guard Beach/Jetty) Where a 200+ flock of Tree Swallows rose up from the frags. All but one were Tree's the other a Barn Swallow. This may be a good place to look for the soon to appear Cave Swallow (s). I photographed a large slender tern which I believe to be Sandwich, but once again I tried to shoot it before nailing down an ID. Input is, as always, welcome....and needed ! The Gannet/Scoter show was in full swing. _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/) From there to the State park to see one of (2) E Widgeons. Also an Osprey, Bald Eagle, Gray Ghost, and Red-shouldered. I missed the Clay-colored, but had a Common Yellowthroat to add to the warbler list. The Beanery surprised me w/ a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Blackpoll, and a Vesper Sparrow in the pumpkin patch. Good Birding, Harvey Tomlinson How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Overpeck Greater White-fronted -- YES From: Dan Poalillo <dapoal AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 12:45:37 -0500 Just had the goose at 12:15PM on the west side of the river in the 'construction area' near the octagonal platform overlooking the water. Thanks to the previous posters for getting me a LONG overdue lifer. First year Bald Eagle was hanging around to and saw my first fall Common Merg on the river. Female Purple finch at my feeder today too. Great day for birds. Dan Maywood How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Greater White Fronted Goose at Overpeck From: Stephanie Seymour <stephanieseymour66 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 09:29:32 -0800 I went over to look for the GWFG around noon, with no luck, but hopefully others searching for it found it. I sifted through about 300 to 400 CAGUs on both sides of the water. Many were tucked in so it was hard to tell if the GWFG was there.� Consolation prize: 8 Bufflehead, including one single male in stunning plumage, in the water on the side of the 2 big oval fields/tracks (directly across from the stables). Happy birding, Stephanie SeymourEnglewood, NJ --- On Sun, 11/1/09, Jim Schlickenrieder wrote: From: Jim Schlickenrieder Subject: [JerseyBirds] Greater White Fronted Goose at Overpeck To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Date: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 9:44 AM Hi Bird is with Canadas near the stables/play area Good birding Jim Schlick Butler, NJ Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: "Bird/Birding Cape May" by Pat/Clay Sutton at Wyncote Audubon Dinner 12/6 From: Clifford Hence <cwhenceiii AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 11:53:25 -0500 “Birds and Birding at Cape May” with Clay & Pat Sutton will be the program at the Annual Wyncote Audubon Society dinner Sunday evening, Dec. 6th at the Williamson’s Restaurant in Horsham Pa. For information and registration go to: Wyncoteaudubon.org. Clay & Pat Sutton are a husband and wife team of naturalists and writers whose careers and names are synonymous with their home town of Cape May, New Jersey, a place that has been aptly called the migration capitol of North America. This migratory crossroads is famous for its hawk, owl, songbird, shorebird, and Monarch butterfly migration. They have keenly studied the natural world for over 30 years. Clay and Pat Sutton are veteran naturalists who have lived and worked at Cape May throughout their entire careers. They will share their insiders’ understanding of all that makes Cape May great. "Birds and Birding at Cape May" is the migration story both explained and brought alive by first-hand knowledge, lively anecdotes, and stories of both yesteryear, today, and the bright future. Their latest book, Birds and Birding at Cape May is the in-depth result of their efforts over many years documenting and protecting the migration and the area that they so love. This landmark book is a complete guide to birds and birding for the Cape May region, covering what to see, when, where, and how to go, as well as the storied ornithological history of the Cape. Cliff Hence Phila. Pa. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Eurowiggle update From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 11:51:20 -0500 Hi all: First off, Michael O'Brien and Cameron Cox agree that the Eurasian Wigeon found yesterday in Cape May Point SP is a female, not an immature male. Then, Cameron found this afternoon what may have been the first possible female Eurowiggle that I found yesterday on LIghthouse Pond and has agreed that it's a typical female (not the really rusty form, like the bird that I photographed yesterday), probably an immature. Both birds were present on Lighthouse Pond. I haven't (yet) heard of anything else of strong interest down here today. Enjoy, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Purple Finches From: "susie r." <njt456 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 11:36:53 -0500 The Purple Finches arrived at my feeder today in pretty good numbers - 5 or 6. Susie R. Tewksbury/Califon How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Longport, Malibu Beach From: Mary Harper <galeharrier AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 11:16:46 -0500 Hi JerseyBirders, As per Scott's request, I got out and looked around this AM and found: Longport, 12th Ave. 50+ Northern Gannets in very close and flying into the inlet and over the jetty. The fishermen said that blues and strippers were running. Personally, I've never seen this many gannets in so close at this location. 25 sanderling Malibu Beach WMA 400 dunlin 300 sanderling 76 AOCs 28 BB Plover 15 lingering black skimmers 26 A. brant 1 GB heron 2 G. egret 14 mallard Mary Harper, Margate How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit From: Jeffery Davis <jwdjwd67 AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 10:11:58 -0500 I went to Jones Beach on Friday to look for the Gyr on the Very off chance it might be around. It wasn't but I met two observers who were, as far as they know, the first on the Gyrfalcon. In the course of our discussion they told me that it certainly appeared to them that it was Luke Ormand's pressing of the bird that appeared to cause it to repeatedly leave its kill, flying back and forth from a nearby tree and back to its kill, until finally it was stressed enough to abandon its hard won meal before finishing and fly off. This was the last the bird was seen, at least in NY (It may have been seen at Allens pond in MA yesterday). I was not there to see the event. I certainly wish I was! I certainly don't know, or even think, that the bird would still be hanging around "if only for ..." and I'm NOT a photographer basher, nor do I wish to start off such an off-topic thread, but I thought I would mention this report in the context of the discussion of this particular instance of Wildlife Photography. There are other Great photos of the bird out there including Grace Scalzo's photos here: http://gracesgallery.smugmug.com/Other/Gyr-falcon/10140403_F5Fd6#697300509_6LHFc regards, jeff Downingtown, PA Checkout our bird photos at the link below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffamy/ "Birding Like I Have Six Months To Live" > Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 08:04:36 -0500 > From: gochfeld AT EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU > Subject: [JerseyBirds] The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > Several people emailed me offline about the photo of the Gyrfalcon with the Herring Gull which (although it is not technically in NJ, was pretty close). First of all, I had nothing to do with the photo or photographer nor either bird. But I would rate that photo among the best of wildlife photography. > > After seconds of intensive research (one email to my nephew) here are the details of the photograph. > ================================================= > > The photographer is Luke Ormand. Here is what he used: > > NIKON D300s 300mm + 1.7 TC > f/6.7 > 1/1600s > iso 640 > -.67 EC > > -Doug > ========================================= > The Nikon D300s sells for upwards of $1500. I'm amazed at the clarity with a telextender. > > MICHAEL > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gochfeldlaw AT aol.com > To: FRESHA2411 AT aol.com > Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2009 7:31 am > Subject: Re: do you know the photographer > > > > > Michael Gochfeld gochfeld AT eohsi.rutgers.edu > > > ________________________________ > > From: New Jersey Birding on behalf of Tony Leukering > Sent: Sun 11/1/2009 7:39 AM > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, etc. at Cape May on Halloween > > > > Hi all: > > I was fortunate enough to find an immature male Eurasian Wigeon on Lighthouse Pond (right at the viewing blind) in Cape May Point SP yesterday (see pix on the birdcapemay.org blog and on my flickr site -- flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering). Other interesting birds around the county yesterday included a continuing Clay-colored Sparrow along the south side of Bunker Pond in the State Park (found the day before by Michael O'Brien), and one or two Western Kingbirds. One Western Kingbird at Hidden Valley, at least early, was probably the same bird as seen there the day before and possibly the same as has been wandering around Cape Island for a couple days; the same or another was found by Dawn and Josh Nemeth with a large flock of bluebirds in the southeast section of Villas WMA that I (and others) managed to track down in the afternoon (pic on the birdcapemay.org blog). > > Finally, I wanted to publicly say "fare well" to the CMBO/NJAS interpretive and research interns that are leaving today or shortly (their seasons are finished) -- the season was more enjoyable with your presence and you were part of, arguably, the best set of interns here, ever. Good luck! > > Enjoy, > > Tony Leukering > Villas, NJ > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Greater White Fronted Goose at Overpeck From: Jim Schlickenrieder <jschlickenrieder AT alliance.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 14:44:17 +0000 Hi Bird is with Canadas near the stables/play area Good birding Jim Schlick Butler, NJ Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Eurasian Wigeon @ LSP From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 09:50:45 -0500 Ed Borowik just called...there is a drake Eurasian Wigeon by the visitor center marsh at Liberty against the back edge. Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Meadowlands saturday From: Neil Maruca <Neil.Maruca AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 13:12:51 +0000 Long Billed Dowitcher AT DeKorte, Peregrine at Kearny East These were first of season for me: Bufflehead (a hen) AT Saw Mill WMA, 5 Common Mergs AT Kearny East's WMCA impoundment, 8 Ring Neck Ducks, 6 Lesser Scaup and Pied-billed Grebe AT Mehrhof Pond in Little Ferry A flock of 50+ Gadwall were at the DeKorte pond across the street from the Amvet Carillon. Ruddy numbers growing at Mehrhof flock is just over 100 birds now. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: The Gyrfalcon-Herring Gull camera outfit From: Michael Gochfeld <gochfeld AT EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 08:04:36 -0500 Several people emailed me offline about the photo of the Gyrfalcon with the Herring Gull which (although it is not technically in NJ, was pretty close). First of all, I had nothing to do with the photo or photographer nor either bird. But I would rate that photo among the best of wildlife photography. After seconds of intensive research (one email to my nephew) here are the details of the photograph. ================================================= The photographer is Luke Ormand. Here is what he used: NIKON D300s 300mm + 1.7 TC f/6.7 1/1600s iso 640 -.67 EC -Doug ========================================= The Nikon D300s sells for upwards of $1500. I'm amazed at the clarity with a telextender. MICHAEL -----Original Message----- From: Gochfeldlaw AT aol.com To: FRESHA2411 AT aol.com Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2009 7:31 am Subject: Re: do you know the photographer Michael Gochfeld gochfeld AT eohsi.rutgers.edu ________________________________ From: New Jersey Birding on behalf of Tony Leukering Sent: Sun 11/1/2009 7:39 AM To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, etc. at Cape May on Halloween Hi all: I was fortunate enough to find an immature male Eurasian Wigeon on Lighthouse Pond (right at the viewing blind) in Cape May Point SP yesterday (see pix on the birdcapemay.org blog and on my flickr site -- flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering). Other interesting birds around the county yesterday included a continuing Clay-colored Sparrow along the south side of Bunker Pond in the State Park (found the day before by Michael O'Brien), and one or two Western Kingbirds. One Western Kingbird at Hidden Valley, at least early, was probably the same bird as seen there the day before and possibly the same as has been wandering around Cape Island for a couple days; the same or another was found by Dawn and Josh Nemeth with a large flock of bluebirds in the southeast section of Villas WMA that I (and others) managed to track down in the afternoon (pic on the birdcapemay.org blog). Finally, I wanted to publicly say "fare well" to the CMBO/NJAS interpretive and research interns that are leaving today or shortly (their seasons are finished) -- the season was more enjoyable with your presence and you were part of, arguably, the best set of interns here, ever. Good luck! Enjoy, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, etc. at Cape May on Halloween From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 07:39:22 -0500 Hi all: I was fortunate enough to find an immature male Eurasian Wigeon on Lighthouse Pond (right at the viewing blind) in Cape May Point SP yesterday (see pix on the birdcapemay.org blog and on my flickr site -- flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering). Other interesting birds around the county yesterday included a continuing Clay-colored Sparrow along the south side of Bunker Pond in the State Park (found the day before by Michael O'Brien), and one or two Western Kingbirds. One Western Kingbird at Hidden Valley, at least early, was probably the same bird as seen there the day before and possibly the same as has been wandering around Cape Island for a couple days; the same or another was found by Dawn and Josh Nemeth with a large flock of bluebirds in the southeast section of Villas WMA that I (and others) managed to track down in the afternoon (pic on the birdcapemay.org blog). Finally, I wanted to publicly say "fare well" to the CMBO/NJAS interpretive and research interns that are leaving today or shortly (their seasons are finished) -- the season was more enjoyable with your presence and you were part of, arguably, the best set of interns here, ever. Good luck! Enjoy, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook Saturday From: Scott Barnes <myiarchus16 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:04:35 -0700 Jerseybirders, � A few sightings from the north end of the hook this afternoon (31 Oct): � --hundreds of Northern Gannets, some feeding right in the surf --Common Moorhen (fide G. Eschenbach) --juvenile American Golden-Plover --late Common Tern --2 Barn Swallows (w/ 100+ Tree Swallows-No luck with CASW) --Chimney Swift --LAPLAND LONGSPUR --2 Snow Buntings � Good Birding, � Scott Barnes Senior Naturalist Sandy Hook Bird Observatory New Jersey Audubon www.njaudubon.org/Centers/SHBO � � � � � � How to report NJ bird sightings: